U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern today announced that the Holden Fire Department has been awarded $261,250 in Vehicle Acquisition funding under the 2008 Assistance to Firefighter Grant program.
-I'm very pleased with this funding,- Rep. McGovern said. -I know that this federal assistance has been a high priority for the Holden Fire Department. The Department will now be able to obtain a new, much safer tanker. I believe that homeland security starts with hometown security. It's critical that we provide local first responders with the resources they need to protect our communities. The federal government must be a partner in that effort. I will continue to be a strong supporter of this Assistance to Firefighter Grant program, and I'll work to maintain its funding in Congress.-
The Holden Fire Department will use the funding announced today for a new pumper tanker, replacing a 1984 tanker that was constructed from a used military tow truck and a used oil tanker. The new tanker represents a significant safety upgrade for the Department.
Eligible apparatus available to fire departments under the Vehicle Acquisition program includes, but is not limited to, pumpers, brush trucks, tankers/tenders, rescue vehicles, ambulances, quints, aerials, foam units, and fireboats.
The Assistance for Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Fire Administration, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. More information can be found at www.firegrantsupport.com
